The Weekly Show: Episode 45 - John 10:1-21

Join Tim and John as they serve up an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 10 Verses 1-21.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire

 Introduction to John 10:1-21

John 10:1-21 contains one of Jesus’ most profound teachings about His identity and mission through the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep. This passage follows the events of John 9, where Jesus healed a man born blind, leading to a confrontation with the Pharisees. Now, Jesus continues to reveal the stark contrast between true spiritual leadership and false shepherds who mislead God's people.

Context and Significance

1. Continuing the Theme of Spiritual Sight and Blindness – In John 9, the Pharisees showed their spiritual blindness by rejecting the miracle and casting out the healed man. In John 10, Jesus further exposes their false leadership by presenting Himself as the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep in truth.
2. Old Testament Background – The image of a shepherd was commonly used in Scripture to describe God’s care for His people (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34). The leaders of Israel were also called to be shepherds, but many had failed in their responsibilities. Jesus now declares that He is the true Shepherd, fulfilling God’s promises.
3. The “I AM” Statements – In this passage, Jesus makes two significant "I AM" statements:

• “I am the Door of the Sheep” (John 10:7, 9) – Jesus is the only way to salvation and safety.
• “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14) – Jesus lays down His life for His sheep, in contrast to hirelings who abandon them.

Key Themes in John 10:1-21

1. Jesus as the True Shepherd – He knows His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them to safety (vv. 1-6).
2. Jesus as the Door – He alone provides salvation, security, and abundant life (vv. 7-10).
3. Jesus as the Good Shepherd – He sacrifices Himself for His sheep, showing His deep love and commitment (vv. 11-18).
4. Division Among the People – Some believe in Jesus, while others reject Him, continuing the pattern seen throughout John’s Gospel (vv. 19-21).

Why This Matters

John 10:1-21 is a powerful declaration of Jesus’ identity and His mission to save and care for His people. It challenges us to ask:

• Are we listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd, or are we following false voices?
• Do we find our security and salvation through Christ alone, or are we looking elsewhere?
• How do we respond to Jesus’ sacrificial love for His sheep?

As we explore this passage, we’ll see how Jesus calls His followers into a deep relationship with Him, offering them guidance, protection, and eternal life.

Key Theme One: Jesus as the True Shepherd (John 10:1-6)

In the first six verses of John 10, Jesus uses a parable to contrast true shepherds with false ones and to highlight His unique relationship with His followers.

1. The Sheepfold and the True Shepherd (v. 1-3)

2. The Shepherd Knows His Sheep (v. 3-5)

3. The Disciples Do Not Understand (v. 6)

Application for Today

• Do we recognize the voice of Jesus? – Through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, Jesus leads us in truth.
• Are we following the Good Shepherd, or are we listening to false voices? – The world is full of false teachers and distractions that can lead us away from Christ.
• Jesus knows us by name! – Our relationship with Him is personal, and He calls us to follow Him in faith.

In the next section, Jesus expands on this teaching by revealing He is the Door of the Sheep (John 10:7-10), showing that He alone is the way to salvation and abundant life.

Key Theme Two: Jesus as the Door (John 10:7-10)

After using the imagery of a shepherd and sheep in verses 1-6, Jesus clarifies His role by making a profound statement:

"I am the door of the sheep." (John 10:7)

This is the third of Jesus’ seven "I AM" statements in John’s Gospel, emphasizing His divine nature and exclusive role in salvation.

1. Jesus as the Only Way to Salvation (v. 7-9)

2. Thieves and Robbers vs. the True Shepherd (v. 8)

3. Jesus Brings Abundant Life (v. 10)

Application for Today

• Have we entered through Jesus, the only door to salvation? – Many seek peace, joy, and purpose outside of Christ, but He alone provides true life.

• Are we discerning the voices we listen to? – The world is full of false promises, but Jesus alone speaks truth.

• Are we living the abundant life Jesus offers? – This doesn’t mean material wealth, but rather a deep, fulfilling relationship with Him.

In the next section, Jesus will expand on this teaching by declaring He is the Good Shepherd, who not only leads His sheep but lays down His life for them (John 10:11-18).

Key Theme Three: Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18)

In this passage, Jesus declares one of His most well-known "I AM" statements:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

Here, Jesus contrasts Himself with false shepherds and reveals His deep love, sacrifice, and care for His followers.

1. The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life (v. 11-13)

2. The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep (v. 14-15)

3. The Good Shepherd Welcomes Other Sheep (v. 16)

4. The Good Shepherd’s Voluntary Sacrifice (v. 17-18)

Application for Today

• Do we trust Jesus as our Shepherd? – He knows our struggles, fears, and needs—are we letting Him lead us?
• Are we part of His flock? – Only those who listen to His voice and follow Him truly belong to Him.
• Do we find security in His sacrifice? – Jesus laid down His life for us—our salvation is secure in His love.

In the next section, we’ll see division among the people in response to Jesus’ bold claims (John 10:19-21).

Key Theme Four: Division Among the People (John 10:19-21)

After Jesus’ powerful declaration that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, the response among His listeners is divided. This continues a pattern seen throughout Jesus’ ministry—His words and actions force people to make a decision about who He is.

1. A Divided Crowd (v. 19-20)

2. Others Recognize His Power (v. 21)

Application for Today

• People are still divided about Jesus. – Just like in Jesus’ time, some see Him as Lord, while others reject Him outright.
• Our response to Jesus determines everything. – Will we dismiss Him like the Pharisees, or recognize His truth?
• True faith sees beyond expectations. – Many rejected Jesus because they wanted a different kind of Savior. Are we willing to trust Him as He truly is?

The next section (John 10:22-42) continues to explore this theme as Jesus makes another bold declaration about His identity during the Feast of Dedication.

Conclusion to John 10:1-21

In John 10:1-21, Jesus makes three profound declarations about Himself:

1. He is the True Shepherd – He leads, protects, and provides for His sheep (v. 1-6).
2. He is the Door – He is the only way to salvation and abundant life (v. 7-10).
3. He is the Good Shepherd – He lays down His life for His sheep (v. 11-18).

These teachings reveal Jesus’ deep love, authority, and mission as the Messiah. He contrasts Himself with false leaders (thieves and hired hands) and emphasizes His personal relationship with His followers, whom He calls by name.

However, His words cause division—some reject Him as insane or demon-possessed, while others recognize that His miracles prove His divine identity (v. 19-21).

Key Takeaways:

✔ Jesus is the only way to salvation – Just as the sheep must enter through the door, we must enter through Christ.
✔ Jesus knows and cares for His followers – He calls His sheep by name and lays down His life for them.
✔ Not everyone will accept Jesus – His words and actions force people to decide whether to follow Him or reject Him.

This passage sets the stage for John 10:22-42, where Jesus publicly affirms His identity as the Messiah and faces further opposition from the religious leaders.